17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

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17 An honest witness tells the truth,
    but a false witness tells lies.(A)

18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,(B)
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(C)

19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
    but those who promote peace have joy.(D)

21 No harm overtakes the righteous,(E)
    but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22 The Lord detests lying lips,(F)
    but he delights(G) in people who are trustworthy.(H)

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17 (A)He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.
18 (B)There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.
19 The truthful lip shall be established forever,
(C)But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.
21 (D)No grave [a]trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22 (E)Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 12:21 harm